Somali 101:Language and Culture Roadmap

Author
Affiliation

Liban Hussein

Somali 101 – Lisan Project

Published

June 4, 2025

1 Hordhac – Introduction

This document serves as a comprehensive guide for learners of the Somali language, designed to support both self-study and community-based instruction.

It is a central hub for:

  • Structured study notes organized by theme
  • Essential vocabulary relevant to everyday life
  • Practice exercises for speaking, listening, reading, and writing
  • Cultural and generational engagement, including Somali proverbs and dialogues
  • Progress tracking for students over the course of their learning

The course is intended for learners at all levels and is structured as a series of thematic units that build gradually toward fluency. It is especially suited for summer intensives or weekend community classes.

Why Somali Matters

For many Somali youth raised in the West, the inability to speak their mother tongue is a source of quiet grief — a feeling of being cut off from elders, stories, and the untranslatable richness of home.

This course is not just about grammar and vocabulary. It’s about reconnection.
It’s about helping a generation recover what was almost lost — and proudly carry it forward.

Oral Heritage Lives Through Language

Somali has been called a “nation of poets” — not because every Somali writes books, but because the oral transmission of wisdom, history, and values has traditionally been carried through language.
Learning Somali is not just learning a language — it’s entering a cultural archive.

Language and Identity

When a generation loses its tongue, it also loses its memory.
Preserving Somali is preserving identity — not only for individuals, but for families, mosques, and communities seeking continuity.

Somali Proverb

Nin aan dhul marin, dhaayo ma leh.
He who has not traveled has no eyes.

This widely quoted proverb reminds learners that exposure expands understanding — just as travel opens the eyes, language opens doors to culture, connection, and insight.

1.1 Xarafka iyo Laxanka – Somali Alphabet and Pronunciation

The Somali alphabet uses Latin script with 21 consonants and 5 vowels. It was standardized in 1972 and is written left to right like English. Pronunciation is phonetic, meaning words are typically pronounced as they are spelled.

1.2 Xarafka Af Soomaaliga – The Somali Alphabet

Letter Example Pronunciation Guide
ʾ abuur Glottal stop — like a soft pause, similar to ء in Arabic
B buug Like b in “book”
T tufaax Like t in “top”
J jeer Like j in “job”
KH khamiis Like Arabic خ, a rough “kh” from the throat
DH dhakhtar A voiced retroflex (tongue curled back), not found in English
R roob Rolled or tapped r, like in Spanish
S subax Like s in “sun”
SH sheeko Like sh in “shoe”
D dheer Like d in “door”
C cunto A voiced pharyngeal sound (like ع in Arabic)
G guri Like g in “go”
F furan Like f in “fun”
Q qalin Deep k sound from the throat (like ق in Arabic)
K kabo Like k in “kite”
L lacag Like l in “light”
M meel Like m in “man”
N naag Like n in “name”
W webi Like w in “water”
H hoy Like h in “hat”
Y yar Like y in “yes”

1.3 Shaqalka – Somali Vowels

Somali has 5 vowels: A, E, I, O, U, and each can be:

  • Short (e.g., run – “true/truth”)
  • Long (e.g., ruun – “home/settlement”)

Long vowels are marked by doubling the letter (aa, ee, ii, oo, uu) and are pronounced longer and more forcefully. They can change the meaning of a word:

Short Long Meaning (Short vs. Long)
u uu bur = flour, buur = mountain
a aa gal = enter, gaal = non-Muslim
i ii bir = metal, biir = increase/multiply
Listen and Repeat

The Somali language is best learned by listening. Repeating after a native speaker helps train your ear to subtle sounds like C, DH, and KH.

1.4 Laxanka iyo Dhawaaqa – Notes on Pronunciation

  • ʾ (Glottal stop) represents a brief pause or a sound from the throat, like a soft catch in the breath — similar to Arabic ء (hamzah).
  • C is not like the English “see” — it’s a voiced pharyngeal sound from the throat (like Arabic ع).
  • DH is pronounced by curling the tongue back (retroflex). This sound does not exist in English.
  • KH is like Arabic خ — a rough “kh” from the upper throat.
  • Q is pronounced deep in the throat — not like “k”, but more forceful (like Arabic ق).
  • R is lightly rolled, similar to Spanish.
  • Double vowels (aa, ee, etc.) are longer and often stressed.
Tip for Arabic Speakers

If you know Arabic, Somali letters C, Q, KH, and DH will sound familiar to you. But even native Arabic speakers need to adjust their ear for DH, which is distinct from Arabic sounds.

1.5 Isbarasho – Introducing Yourself

Isbarasho wanaagsan waxay ku bilaabataa salaan iyo su’aalo aasaasi ah. Baabkani wuxuu soo bandhigayaa erayada muhiimka ah iyo weedho si aad u isticmaasho marka aad qof cusub la kulanto.

A good introduction begins with greetings and basic questions. This chapter presents essential words and phrases for you to use when meeting someone new.

Start With What You Know

You don’t need to memorize every word immediately.
Focus on 5–7 phrases that you can say confidently — like your name, where you’re from, and how you’re doing. Then build from there.

1.6 Kalmado Muhiim ah iyo Weedho – Key Vocabulary and Phrases

English Somali
Peace be upon you Asalaamu Calaykum
And peace be upon you Wa Calaykum Salaam
Good morning Subax wanaagsan
How are you? Sidee tahay / See tahay / Ii waran?
I am fine Waan fiicanahay
Welcome Soo dhowoow
What is your name? Magacaa?
My name is … Magacaygu waa …
Where are you from? Xagee baad ka timid?
I am from Somalia Waxaan ka imid Soomaaliya
Nice to meet you Kulan wanaagsan
Goodbye Nabadeey / Macsalaamo
Teacher Macallin
Student Arday
Phone Telefoon
Address Adrees / Cinwaan
Cultural Insight

Somalis often greet with a warm tone and repeated blessings. Learning to pronounce greetings clearly and kindly is one of the most respected signs that you’re reconnecting with the culture.

1.8 Isku Day: Tarjum Weedhahan – Try Translating These Sentences

  1. Magacaygu waa … waxaan ka imid …
  2. Magacaa? (Wiil/Gabar)
  3. Waxaan ahay Soomaali.
  4. Waxaan ka imid Mareykanka.
  5. Xaggee baad ka timid?
  6. Waa maxay shaqadaada?
  7. Waxaan ahay macallin.
  8. Waan fiicanahay, mahadsanid.
  9. Subax wanaagsan!
  10. Nabadeey! Waa inoo mar kale haddii uu Ilaahay idmo!
Practice With a Partner

Language is meant to be spoken. If you can, practice introducing yourself with a family member, elder, or friend — even if they answer in English.
Your confidence grows with repetition and real interaction.

1.9 Erayo u gaara Qofka – Personal Pronouns

English Somali
I Aniga
You (m) Adiga (Wiil)
You (f) Adiga (Gabar)
He Isaga
She Iyada

1.10 Qabiil iyo Qaranimo – Nationalities and Languages

Country Nationality Language
Soomaaliya Soomaali Af Soomaali
Masar Masri Carabi
Mareykanka Mareykan Ingiriis

1.11 Sheeko Dheer oo Isbarasho – Extended Introductory Dialogue

Qof 1: Iska warran!
Qof 2: Waan fiicanahay. Soo dhowoow!
Qof 1: Sidee tahay?
Qof 2: Waan fiicanahay, Alxamdulillaah. Adiguna?
Qof 1: Magacaa?
Qof 2: Magacaygu waa Axmed. Adiga?
Qof 1: Waxaan ahay Saara. Xaggee baad ka timid?
Qof 2: Waxaan ka imid Muqdisho. Adiguna?
Qof 1: Waxaan ka imid Nairobi. Shaqadaada?
Qof 2: Waxaan ahay macallin. Adiguna?
Qof 1: Waxaan ahay ardayad. Cinwaankaagu?
Qof 2: Waa 12 Jidka Muqdisho. Kaaga na?
Qof 1: Waa 8 Waddada Wajeer. Nambarkaaga telefoonka?
Qof 2: 061-2345678. Kanaga?
Qof 1: 061-8765432. Emailkaagu?
Qof 2: ahmed@gmail.com. Kaaga na?
Qof 1: sarah@email.com.
Qof 2: Aad baan ugu faraxsanahay inaan ku kulmo!
Qof 1: Aniguna sidoo kale!

1.12 Fiiro Gaar ah – Special Note

Baabkani wuxuu xoogga saarayaa fahamka isbarasho, isticmaalka erayada aasaasiga ah, iyo kalmadaha shakhsiyeed. Soo koobidda weedho iyo ficillada maalinlaha ah waxay gacan ka geysanayaan xoojinta xirfadaha luqadda.

This chapter focuses on understanding introductions, using basic vocabulary, and personal terms. Summarizing daily expressions and actions helps reinforce language skills.